Verification Requirements for Electronic & Traditional Conveyancing

It is now necessary to verify your identity when you buy or sell a property in order to prevent fraud.

With E-Conveyancing introduced in Victoria in January 2015 allowing for property transactions to take place electronically and changes to the requirements for paper conveyances effective from November 2015, lawyers and conveyancers must comply with the need to verify the identity of clients.

Consequently, we must take ‘reasonable steps’ to verify a client’s identity when a matter involves a Certificate of Title. This includes, for example, transferring a property to another person (whether money changes hands or not), mortgaging a property or registering a caveat over a title. The legislative requirements are intended to minimise the risk of fraud. We are required to verify a client’s identity even if they or members of their family have been long time clients.

Verifying your identity requires a face to face meeting where you will need to bring:

– Your Australian or foreign passport, that is current or expired less than two years ago; and
– Your Australian Drivers Licence
– A change of name or marriage certificate (if appropriate)

If you do not have a passport or it has been expired for more than two years, you will need to bring with you:

– Your Australian Drivers Licence; and
– Your full Birth Certificate or Citizenship Certificate; and
– A Medicare, Centrelink or Veteran’s Affairs Card; and
– A change of name or marriage certificate (if appropriate).

If you do not have a Drivers Licence, you can contact our office to discuss alternative arrangements. By being prepared you can help ensure that your property transaction goes as smoothly as possible. Time is often of the essence, particularly with transactions which involve a shorter settlement period. Therefore we would encourage you to not delay in obtaining advice from one of our lawyers or experienced conveyancers.